Sun Outdoors Saco Old Orchard Beach

Pros: If you're OK with a beach community with carnival rides and tee shirt shops, you will like this location. The campground is clean and well-maintained. Check-in was easy. The man at the gate was friendly and helpful. The bathrooms were very clean and the showers are nice. They're adding cottages and the landscaping looks nice where there is some. The tall trees are lovely. It was quiet at night and security was good. Our site was level. There are lots of kids on bikes and scooters and dogs (pro and con?). Kids will have fun here. The pool is nice. 

Cons: There are a lot of permanent RVs (seem to be used as summer cottages) and the sites are close, as you would expect at this type of location. It felt crowded, but overall, the campers were friendly and considerate as always. There were a couple of large tent camper family groups that didn't seem to be having much fun, but it was raining on and off and that's never fun. The fact that Sun Outdoors allows tent camping is very nice. Everyone deserves a chance to enjoy camping!

Bottom line: It was fine for a short stay on our long trip. It's as good as it gets at this type of location.

Seriously, KOA’s have the friendliest staff ever! My sister and I arrived late Friday evening- after 3+ hours of Boston, holiday traffic- and were promptly greeted by a bubbly employee who happily lead us to our “kabin.” Despite a small snafu getting into our accommodations, she was incredibly gracious and helpful.

K16 was a single room cabin that could comfortably sleep 4, furnished with a full-sized bed and a bunk bed. We were shocked to find that the cabin had electrical, lights and a small heater. Being a chilly fall night, this was greatly appreciated. The Saco/Old Orchard KOA really provided a good compromise between camping and getting a hotel. I may be adventurous and willing to brave the elements, but have to keep the comfort of those traveling with me in mind!

Most of the grounds were dense- comprised primarily of RVs and various cabins. Though there were a few tent sites. My sister and I lucked out with our cabin and the cul-de-sac it was in. It overlooked the woods and was a bit more secluded than many of the other sites. KK15, K3, K2 and K1 are great options as well, located along the wooded edges of the grounds. Tent sites 96, P5, P4, P3, P2 and P1 were also among the best spots, offering full shade and privacy.

We definitely enjoyed our stay-the cabin was comfortable, facilities were clean, and we were within 20 minutes of Portland and 10 minutes to Old Orchard Beach. Not to mention-the on-site Merry Moose cafe was definitely a nice touch! I can’t say this was truly “camping”-but it wasn’t bad!

This campground is four miles from Old Orchard Beach which is a trip. It is a throw-back from your childhood when carnival rides and funnel cakes made you so happy. The town smells like fried food and pizza and shopping consists of t-shirts and beach chairs. Saco is a town that has seen recent revitalization where old buildings are transformed to bustling breweries and storefronts are filled with galleries and boutiques. Not too far from the campground are the towns of Kennebunkport, Wells, and Biddeford and a little farther will have you in Ogunquit or Portland.  

The campground sits among tall pine trees which offer nice shade helps alleviate some of the feel of a crowded campground. There are a myriad of sites including rustic tent, cabins, and full hook-up RV sites that accommodate the largest of RV’s. Wifi and cable are available and sites have picnic tables and fire pits.

One of the nice features was the on-site restaurant which claims to be famous for their “blueberry pancakes” and also offers Belgian waffles, pizza, hamburgers, and hot dogs. I admit the pancakes were delicious and loved eating them campfire side.  Amenities include a heated pool, hot tub (adults only), basketball, volleyball, playground, and various activities like s’mores, crafts, ice cream socials and more. This campground is very kid-friendly so if that is not your thing don’t come in the summer. The restrooms and showers were really clean and you constantly saw yellow-shirted people busily working. 

In the summer there is a shuttle that takes you to the beach which is convenient. During the shoulder season dogs are allowed on the beach but not the summer. A great place to explore is Rachael Carson National Wildlife Refuge. There is a small welcome center and trails that wind through the marsh with some beautiful views (and dog-friendly).  If you have kids and like water parks, Funtown Splashtown USA is a popular place especially on warm days and just down the street.

We loved our lunch at the Run of the Mill Public House and Brewery which has a varied food menu with creative selections and good beer. The restaurant is in an old mill and retained some of the interesting original architectural features. If you like to paddle, head to the Saco River Marsh. Here you can put in your own boats or rent some and paddle through beautiful marsh – just watch the tides. There is also a parking lot for an extensive walking/biking trail.